Gourd Monsters: O'Fallon Artist's Macabre Twist On A Traditional Fall Craft

A booth at the Wentzville Community Club flea market features the work of O'Fallon artist Brian Martin.

Martin, who calls himself "The #1 Gourd Master," hand paints the dried gourds, turning them into skulls, snakes, ghosts, ghouls and even some familiar characters like The Cat in the Hat—works of art that double as bird houses, bird feeders, and other decorative items such as lanterns and lights.

Martin's Gourd Monsters Facebook Page shows more examples of his work and lists other upcoming events where his work will be featured. 

The Wentzville Flea Market is held every Sunday at the Wentzville Community Club, 500 West Main, starting at 6 a.m. and has over 400 vendor spaces. Look for Gourd Monsters in #56.